VOCES8 - Shenandoah (arr. Hewitt-Jones)

Music video by VOCES8 performing Shenandoah (arr. Hewitt-Jones). (C) 2016 VOCES8 Records
vevo.ly/acCSWS

[@soozb15]

My dad used to sing this to me as a lullaby when I was a child. He is 80 now. When he was gravely ill and barely conscious last year, I sang it to him by his hospital bed. He couldn't speak or open his eyes, but he began to hum along with me. That's the power of music and of this beautiful song.

[@jeffreydurham2566]

Thank you for sharing that heart warming story.

[@julianesmith6070]

My dad also used to sing this song...

[@shenandoah1322]

Suzie Bye I sang this song in choir in grade 10 and fell in love with it then. I look after some foster children 3 days a week and was singing this song to them, and they all calmed down almost instantly. When I stopped singing, one of the boys asked me to keep singing more songs. They all have varying degrees of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and some days are a struggle. But I've discovered that music is very powerful for them. Last time I looked after them I brought my tenor recorder and played some songs for them, and they all instantly had tranquil smiles on their faces. They didn't want me to stop playing! Music is indeed very powerful.

[@kirbyhill3411]

Shenandoah I had a terrible head injury a few years ago. People do not think of the trumpet as soothing, but playing the trumpet felt like it put my brain back in order, if not just for a little while. There truly is healing properties to music.

[@gokouson180]

Just like "Remember Me" from Coco. Beautiful!

[@timberlunadeazul]

I used to sing this for my grandma. It was her favorite song. I made a recording of me singing it for her and my mom played it for her on her deathbed a few months ago. She was 95 and the greatest person I've ever known. I'll never hear this song without thinking of her❤

[@seungkim8576]

This is one of those rare times when "perfect" is not an exaggeration.

[@JustChillingOut]

🎤 Your right. The microphones however were not perfectly placed. Thus over have of the rich presence in their voices was not captured. All 8 mics needed to be 3 to 4” away from their mouths. I’ve been capturing the voices of gifted singers since the 80s. But they indeed nailed it. I’d have them go back and do this session over again with the better mic position. The difference in sound quality is huge. Abby Roads knows better, but failed then anyway.

[@TheLittledikkins]

To me, this is the most beautiful of all American Folks Songs.

[@barbarasmith3098]

I am from the Shenandoah Valley and will be crossing the Shenandoah River today to attend Mass for the first time in months due to the virus. Thank you so much for this beautiful song.

[@bruceringrose7539]

With respect, research the song, it is not about the Shenandoah Valley in VA. There are many versions (no one knows the composer so the original tune is not copyrighted), all are beautiful, but the song is about a voyageur (fur trapper, typically a French Canadian) that loved an Indian maiden whose father was named (in the Anglicized version) Shenandoah.

[@sandraelder1101]

@@bruceringrose7539 It’s my understanding that that interpretation is also speculative. No one seems to be certain where it came from or the original meaning. As a music teacher myself, I’d love to read some documentation if you know of some. It’s one of my all time favorite American folk songs.

[@Anna-rs4mx]

When we had horrible fires in Oregon, I listened to this song. Now I live on the Middle River which feeds into the Shenandoah River.

[@konradyearwood5845]

I first heard this song in the movie with James Stewart many years ago and later with Keith Jarret's solo piano version and always felt it was a beautiful piece of music. However, I never realised it had lyrics and this performance is out of this world. I can imagine many a Shanandoan making their final journey with this glorious music taking them home. Truly amazing.

[@everynight321]

I just broke up with my abusive ex, and i feel free. This song came from youtube algorithm, and i hope to never meet another abusive person, and a greater world for me.

[@lisastockbridge4948]

I'm sorry you went through that. I was abused in my first marriage. You will have developed a sense a out people now without realising it. You will pick up who you can trust and who not, like a vibe going off in you!. Good luck for your future. Please talk it out with people if you need to, dont bottle it up inside. There are many good support groups out there to help you, but you will be surprised about friends and family if they dont know!'my parents and friends never knew until the last attack on me and our child!!! Wish I had done it sooner xxxx

[@bd7852]

It takes a lot of strength to leave. Wishing you a lifetime full of light and love.

[@ikemyung8623]

Adam, I'm grateful that you found to strength to step away from an unhealthy relationship, a very hard thing to do for many. I'm very disturbed by your saying, "I hope to never meet another abusive person..." I hope after four months you are better able to face the reality that there are many abusive people and you are very likely to meet one of them, and even date another one, because we tend to gravitate towards certain kinds of people until our brains get a "make over" and we learn healthier thought patterns. I hope that you can do some IFS or other type of trauma therapy where you can learn why you were in an abusive relationship to begin with and be empowered to make better choices in the future. This is a process which you deserve to go though in order to find that better life you hope for.

[@ytcarol]

Oh, the poignancy of your expression, that now you are free! Keep filling your soul with such songs, and beauty wherever you find it. Blessings.

[@user-xp5ow2db7v]

I sang this as one of my children's lullabies every night for yesrs. So wonderful a way to sooth her and how much I loved her...

[@intercat4907]

This was Polar Bear Brown's favorite song. He was ex-Army Intel 1st Sgt, with survival training in snow and desert, and boy, could he paddle a canoe. He was a good friend, and a pleasure to travel and camp with, and a very sentimental softie. It's good to hear this and think of him. Thank you.

[@edjarrett3164]

There are only a few quintessential songs that most Americans embrace. They are often old, but deeply revered and this is one of them. To understand and produce this effort is amazing. It speaks volumes about your talents, but also your research why this song is so treasured. Thank you.

[@stevenjamieson8541]

What other songs would you put in a list of "quintessential songs that most Americans embrace"?

[@edjarrett3164]

@@stevenjamieson8541 America the beautiful. This land is your land. Danny Boy. Country road.

[@matthewgroters6270]

How they can keep from weeping and ruining the music they're producing is beyond me.

[@tgild13]

The first female soloist in the blue shirt - she has such a rich textured voice. Very unique! Everything about this song and this group is simply stunning. The sound is so pure!

[@Ace1King1]

And the only person wearing white shoes.

[@noodengr3three825]

I agree. Her voice has a unique beautiful accent underlying it. I want to hear her speak

[@20alphabet]

What's her name?

[@bobmartin7399]

@@20alphabet Emily Dickens.

[@20alphabet]

@@bobmartin7399 Thank you.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

I am 78 and I am beginning to hum it for myself, thank you.

[@barbarae.demullingbriggs8362]

I learned this song in grade school. Later my boyfriend in my junior year took me to where his parents had moved to and it was along the Shenandoah river . Every-time I hear this song it reminds me of my first love!!!❤

[@toguoppusunggu7003]

Love that alto voice! In a world of many all-male a capella groups, it's nice to see group showcase what great female alto can do.

[@janiceschwab4321]

Shenandoah valley is beautiful place. Amazing arrangement.

[@bruceringrose7539]

With respect, research the song, it is not about the Shenandoah Valley in VA. There are many versions (no one knows the composer so the original tune is not copyrighted), all are beautiful, but the song is about a voyageur (fur trapper, typically a French Canadian) that loved an Indian maiden whose father was named (in the Anglicized version) Shenandoah.

[@msf60khz]

It was a standard folk song in English schools. So enjoyable.

[@abbycross90210]

Really? I wouldn't have thought that.

[@rutha1464]

Such beautiful, young people with the voices of angels!

[@adamkeener6106]

When the bass drops that D-flat at the end for the final resolution...speechless. Tears of joy.

[@pricegrisham2998]

Two female and six male singers: And the ladies hold their own beautifully. A lovely rendition (and I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, so I can be a bit picky about this, haha).

[@cht2162]

But also men singing in the treble range.

[@lynnfosnaught286]

February 9, 2024 My family used to travel around the USA every summer of my childhood. One summer we traveled the Blue Ridge Mountain highway. I hope I have this right. But out of all our travels, I very distinctly remember when we came in view of the Shenandoah Valley and I felt such a sacred divine presence of this place. I’ll never forget that experience!!!

[@bruceringrose7539]

With respect, research the song, it is not about the Shenandoah Valley in VA. There are many versions (no one knows the composer so the original tune is not copyrighted), all are beautiful, but the song is about a voyageur (fur trapper, typically a French Canadian) that loved an Indian maiden whose father was named (in the Anglicized version) Shenandoah.

[@erinmurphy5893]

This song is where I always find solace- it takes me back to a time where my father sang this as a lullaby. It’s soul soaking.

[@mikeswanger3490]

We used to sing this song in high school concert choir 35 years ago and it still gives me goosebumps when I hear it. Beautiful song.

[@joyswenson7941]

My 6 yr old son and I are listening to this angelic music and he says, "10 out of 10!" Thank you for sharing this heaveny talent.

[@rogerpersell8500]

So many here from the Shenandoah Valley. Me, I’m from the wide Missouri at Omaha, where many did indeed cross on their way west. I’ve always taken the song as pointing west. The Missouri figured large in my childhood, never more than when my father joined countless others to fill sandbags to bolster the city against floods. As a Nebraska farm boy he learned to swim when his own father threw him into the wide Missouri and shouted, "Now, swim!"

[@DanielCPurdy]

Absolutely beautiful. So many people don’t understand that Shenandoah was an Indian Tribal Chief and the song is really to his daughter. About as old of an American folk song as there is.

[@jeanbryant6144]

I didn't know this; I have looked in vain for Shenandoah on a map. Do you know which tribe?

[@linmbritt]

As far as I know, the song is about a river and a valley en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenandoah_River But here's info on Chief Shenandoah, after whom the river was named en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skenandoa

[@mariojimenez762]

Shenandoha es un afluente del misisipi missouri

[@prioress]

Which makes me wonder why a woman sings the line, "...I love your daughter..."

[@CGH250]

Jean Bryant - Oneida Indian nation - Virginia

[@muzaknotez]

I replayed the female solo 3 times. That little vocal turn she did was gold. And yes.....Bass

[@yanbibiya]

The human voice may well be the best musical instrument

[@basssinger47]

vor allem dann, wenn die Harmonie so perfekt ist

[@marthahewett7730]

The soloists both have such rich, special voices. A lovely performance.

[@jefferyneu3915]

That bass ending! Beautiful, resonant, and not overdone!

[@pattiharris9763]

Listen to the Tennessee Ernie Ford version. I think that was a tribute to him

[@artursorba1465]

VOCES8 pure sound is like a drug for ears ! They never cease to amaze me.

[@pamelaschneider6570]

Beautiful-We sang this in Concert Choir in High School & We won the MD State Championship in 1985 with this special song. Brings back many great memories. Wow-just Wow❤

[@joyfulyes]

Do you remember whose arrangement you sang? Our high school women's chorus in Pennsylvania sang it in 1985 also, and I have yet to find the same arrangement. It ended with a single voice on "oh Shenandoah" going up to the fifth and then the octave. No choir I've seen on KZbin uses that arrangement.

[@pamelaschneider6570]

Hello I just remember singing it in a round... The Sopranos would go then the Alto's, Tenors , & We had an amazing Base singer. It was so Beautiful that jaws were dropping in the audience. I wish I had a recording of it. It's a hauntingly Beautiful song

[@pamelaschneider6570]

Oh and of course we saying it acapello.

[@normawike2109]

This bass is the richest, smoothest I’ve ever heard. Don’t usually think of basses as sweet sounds but this young man pulls it off perfectly.

[@tbyrandfan1]

I AM ABSOLUTELY STUNNED BY THE BEAUTY OF THIS ENSEMBLE. BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jimspc07]

That woman in the middle has the most celestial voice I have ever heard.

[@M0odyBlue]

That mezzo soprano is surely an angel.

[@normawike2109]

This is my favorite group. Each one is perfection. I have to say though, the bass is the best I’ve ever heard. So smooth.

[@willlivingston702]

Does anyone else get chills when she sings the word daughter? To die for!

[@ajcampbellone]

Man, that last little bass line with the perfect resolution to the tonic, goosebumps.

[@CGH250]

I’m in the southern US (NC) and grew up hearing this song! Btw, if you haven’t seen it, there is a movie called “Shenandoah” starring James Stewart- made in 1965, a must see! Shenandoah was a chief of the Oneida Indian nation (Virginia) who sided with the colonists during the Revolutionary war. This was a beautiful rendition.

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

A cappella at its very best. Eternal song. Great arrangement. Fabulous performance. It doesn't get better than this. In the midst of the pandemic and Trump madness I may need to play this every day until they all go away.

[@gloriaslater8433]

Sounds cliche to say this is my favorite song. But it's true. As a very young child, it stopped me dead in my tracks. Drew me away from whatever 3 yr old pursuit of the moment; Popsicle, Pokey Little Puppy book, who knows? I just know that anytime I hear it, I'm transported. I am wrapped in a feeling so warm, so full of longing and yearning. This song soars and takes me with it. Always has, always will.

[@squeezemyparticiple]

Emily's solo makes me sob every single time. Absolute perfection.

[@joannmahaffey1068]

Mostbeautiful rendition of this song I have ever heard. You actually catpured the sound/feeling of a big rolling river in the moving harmonies. Beautiful voices. Thank you.

[@valliemackrell1228]

I come from the land of the Shenandoah and this is one of the best versions of this beloved music i have heard. Of course I’m partial to the James Erb arrangement.

[@catholicdad]

James Erb Wes me $20.

[@morningcalmrisingsun]

OMG same here!

[@bruceringrose7539]

With respect, research the song, it is not about the Shenandoah Valley in VA. There are many versions (no one knows the composer so the original tune is not copyrighted), all are beautiful, but the song is about a voyageur (fur trapper, typically a French Canadian) that loved an Indian maiden whose father was named (in the Anglicized version) Shenandoah.

[@hannahedwards2416]

I'mma need a love button for this

[@brianmarsiglia2979]

I really love you guys. Seriously. you were this bright light during covid, and I just can't thank you enough for that.

[@stevensmith743]

Absolutely sublime!

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Thank you for singing so beautifully of my two homes...the Shenandoah and the Missouri. Heartwarming. Sentimental.

[@michelleseyer8987]

Hearing you all sing about the Missouri River with such grace, eloquence and harmony and knowing most of you will never see it, twists my heart.

[@louisecooper1159]

This song made me want to see the "wide Missouri". My mother and I got to travel to South Dakota in 2009, and we spent the night in a lodge on the banks of the Missouri. One of my favorite secular songs and one of my favorite vacations.

[@ratkillerthe]

Bass is EVERYTHING on this one... You are now my spirit animal for the day ahahah

[@rverkamman]

Bass is everything? Try this version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4LZoKSsjZeJhqc Here's a basso profundo at work.

[@p1966kful]

Actually no. The modal harmony is everything in this piece. An interesting arrangement, but with less subtlety in the singing than one might have hoped - at times both the loudness of the singing and the closeness of inner voices seemed to drown out the solo lines.

[@raymondrace4837]

@@p1966kful despite that being said,, to the untrained ear, it was still pleasing to listen to. I had to look up what "Modal Harmony" means! I commend your expertise!!

[@nedwulff6196]

I sang this song in a choir in college, and I have to say...this song is....hauntingly beautiful. It was hard to sing this song because I had to keep the tears in and keep myself from singing out of tune at the same time.

[@sealyoness]

I know how that is with a lovely song that has grabbed you by the soul and you're standing in front of a lot of people, and you know they want to hear the song, not your voice squeaking or cracking because you're crying. So you double breathe and lift your chin, and demand that your embouchure to work smoothly. And then the song ends...

[@sealyoness]

And you wish it hadn't? I've been in that situation...

[@dragonflowermusic]

Wow - this is stunning and a beautiful arrangement. The bass singer slayed me when he dropped to that low note at the end like it was nothing.

[@berndheiden7630]

There is a handful of songs where I get misty eyes and this has always been one of them. Not that I have an explanation for it, I have never actually been in the valley, just driven by in 1966 on my way from FLA to New York. This is a beautiful rendition, thank you!

[@SteveL2012]

Love the mezzo’s voice-like warm honey. Beautiful performance all around.

[@alexandervictor4310]

Sounded so good, I swear I heard an angelic orchestra playing in the background.

[@gemcitydad9509]

This is closest to what we did in high school. We had a really really good (it fails to call her) teacher. She had connections on Broadway in new york. This woman would take off her shoes when she got in excitement./ She told me to never stop singing. I never have. yet I also never reached out. She chose our graduation song, which was never walk alone. Yet that's what we have done for years now. I miss those times. I miss the troupe she cultivated. Thank you for the run and inspiration. Mrs. Tiemen.

[@bradgetz]

Simply lovely. Thank you for sharing the gift of your voices with a world crying for beauty.

[@anthonypapol4252]

That prolonged "away" at 2:40 is beautiful.

[@anthonymcnamara6306]

Wow, a very beautiful version, blew me away.

[@raskullsshako]

Love love loveeeee their bass singer. His voice is so rich and warm. It’s almost as if gold could sing ✨

[@gemmaparas6014]

I like this song a lot.

[@pattiharris9763]

The nod to Tennessee Ernie Ford at the end of the song, how wonderful Listened to this one hundred times

[@sled_dog]

Wow. Absolutely beautiful. Some of the best harmony I've ever heard. Glorious!!

[@en3bo]

Wow...in tears. Beautiful!

[@marciadeem5091]

Three songs: Wondrous Love which links humanity to God, Balm in Gilead, which promises healing, and Shenandoah which is set in the fertile valleys of two rivers which nourish humanity, indicate that it takes more than one song to speak to our diverse hearts.

[@willloudon841]

The bass soloist is phenomenal!!

[@NewApologist]

I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia 😀

[@bruceringrose7539]

With respect, research the song, it is not about the Shenandoah Valley in VA. There are many versions (no one knows the composer so the original tune is not copyrighted), all are beautiful, but the song is about a voyageur (fur trapper, typically a French Canadian) that loved an Indian maiden whose father was named (in the Anglicized version) Shenandoah.

[@NewApologist]

I still live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia 😊

[@bruceringrose7539]

@@NewApologist Beautiful area, you are lucky, I’ve hiked and kayaked in the Valley. In the late 70s I provided civil engineering services to Shenandoah National Park.

[@kittycasino29]

Brings back memories from my high school choir, loved singing this song 🙂

[@rozlin313]

I immediately started crying. Such a beautiful arrangement! I sang in high school on the concert choir. Beautiful memories. Also understanding the lyrics. It always saddens me how the United States was taken from the American Indians.

[@coffee6783]

Shenandoah always breaks my heart.😢

[@janel342]

Thank you for your talent and generosity. You lighten our hearts.

[@christopherforster6555]

Mind blowing singing fabulous thanks.

[@Iheartlifting]

They are so in sync it’s incredible

[@emmrt8613]

El barítono, tiene una voz bellísima.

[@waynegoebel395]

As a performing baritone, the opening bass/baritone solo brought tears to my eyes. What a great voice. Depth, tone, pitch perfect, smooth and rich. To me, there's nothing like the tone of a baritone. But them I'm, maybe, a bit partial. Well done folks

[@waltsegovis4952]

Fabulous. The Shenandoah Valley is on my short list of places to retire to. You can be sure my grandkids will here this performance. Thanks for giving an old man a few minutes of perfection to listen to.

[@steveshumate1983]

My dad grew up right in the middle of the Shenandoah valley so we’d go visit his parents all the time growing up. It is indeed beautiful country.

[@lindathompson9334]

I love this song and this arrangement is beautiful. I miss singing in a choir.

[@user-ub9ox6qn4f]

Ethereal and ghostly in it's beauty

[@SuperJesu13]

Big fan! A Big hug from Colombia 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴

[@gracebrega6500]

Sending love & prayers from Harrisonburg!

[@arnaudl59]

That's why I love American Songs, the traditional one's

[@pamelajohnson8900]

So beautiful! Praise God!

[@matthewyuells7825]

Thank you. That was amazing!

[@organo3112]

Voces8 I really love all your recordings.

[@pattiharris9763]

Listen to this version many many time. I love the Tennesse Ernie Ford tribute at the song conclusion Wonderful song wonderful ensemble

[@virginiaeatchel]

I am literally in tears right now. Absolutely breathtaking rendition!!!!!

[@jacquelinehermosilla5515]

I love the variety of voices! 😊👍

[@happydays3678]

How beautiful. Moved me to tears.

[@annabellenyren1958]

Big love for this, really guys - fab - and big love for you all from Sunny Spain. Ax

[@francesmeyer8478]

Beautiful!♥

[@ellengreenlaw8839]

Bass at the end-beautiful.

[@JohnMistyWoods]

Heavenly! Thanks for your performance & for sharing.

[@dptcruiser]

Beautiful. Gave me goose bumps. Love this movie and the song. Thank you

[@debeslinger4641]

Beautiful, one of my favorite folk songs.

[@golfpark94]

Lots of famous names at Abbey Road studio’s, and now Voces8 is there aswell. Great work.

[@JuniorFan08]

One of my favorite songs.

[@arinaina4262]

I haven't heard this beautiful song for long time until now. Thank you. Beautiful song + beautiful voice.

[@jmer9126]

Gorgeous. Thank you!

[@nerolsalguod4649]

I love this song, always have. Excellent !

[@ginaglendon9372]

That is one of.my favorite songs and a beautiful arrangement